Two groups of students and faculty members gathered to discuss the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in Tucker Student Center earlier this week as a part of the IMPACT Center’s Monday Matters program.

The discussions were led by Dr. Tom LeGrand, director of the Center for Christian Ethics and Social Responsibility, who asked the attendees about their understanding of DACA, as well as for the reasons for their support and opposition of the program.

“I’ve had a number of students say to me, ‘I’m afraid to speak out and say what I think,’ and that’s a culture we need to change,” LeGrand said. “We need to hear one another and speak respectfully to one another and be able to be challenged in what we think without growing angry. We wanted to develop a culture of conversation that we can have among students and faculty.”

Gardner-Webb issued a statement announcing their disappointment in the controversial decision to phase out the DACA program in September. “We join with hundreds of other universities and businesses across the country in offering support for the ‘Dreamers,’” the statement said. “…[W]e stand ready to advocate for our students as they pursue their education. We remain committed to making sure the most talented students from all backgrounds have access to the experience that is Gardner-Webb University.”

Oct. 16 at 7 p.m., the topic for Monday Matters will be “Can We Talk Anymore? Politics and Civil Discourse,” featuring a panel of speakers, Elizabeth Amato, Steve Harmon, and Kent Blevins in Tucker Student Center. Students may receive Dimensions credit for attending.